COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 12.11.23
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 12.11.23. Our office is committed to helping residents understand how to file a complaint or compliment an officer and explain to the public our role in police oversight. Below is a brief description of our most recent community engagement efforts. If you are interested in COPA speaking to your community group or organization, please submit a request via email to COPA-PublicAffairs@chicagocopa.org
CCPSA Monthly Community Meeting – 12.11.23
The Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability (CCPSA) hosted its monthly community meeting to discuss updates to its agency, other city departments, and residents. At this meeting our Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten also presented the agency 2024 proposed goals.
Leaders Network Community Meeting – 12.12.23
COPA attended this meeting comprised of faith and community leaders that work together to organize, strategize, and mobilize to improve the quality of life for the west side communities.
New Life Centers Humboldt Park Pantry – 12.13.23
COPA participated in this food distribution community event to help the public better understand the agency mission and explain the importance of police oversight.
COPA Winter Wear & Gear Donation Drive for Unhoused Migrants – 12.14.23
COPA staff lead by the efforts of our Community Service Committee team collected coats and other winter essentials to support the ongoing migrant crisis. Today we dropped off donations at the city’s Landing Zone to be used immediately. We also partnered with Increase the Peace, a youth-based community organization that does work in Chicago to tackle the root causes of violence and promote peace.
COPA Community Virtual Presentation – Chicagoland Black Deaf Advocates – 12.16.23
Members of COPA leadership team participated in a community meeting with the Chicagoland Black Deaf Advocates to help this organization understand the agency’s mission and vision. During this virtual community presentation, COPA shared an overview of our agency, explained the importance of police oversight, explained how COPA can best serve the deaf population in Chicago, and answered questions meeting attendees had. Two ASL interpreters were also present and participated in this virtual community presentation.
Back of the Yards Christmas Toy Drive – 12.16.23
COPA joined the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council (BYNC) to deliver donated toys to children. Each of these groups came together along with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 16th to visit four different sites in the Back of the Yards neighborhood to bring some holiday cheer to many children as they passed out toys.
